At Edinburgh's Hogmanay Torchlight Procession, participants traditionally carry torches through the city.
The procession is a major opening event of Edinburgh's New Year celebrations. Participants walk through central Edinburgh carrying flaming torches, creating a moving river of light toward a major gathering area. The spectacle draws on Scotland's winter fire traditions while also functioning as a modern public festival.
Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year's Eve and the surrounding New Year period. Edinburgh's program has included street parties, concerts, fireworks, and the Torchlight Procession, though exact routes, dates, and arrangements can change from year to year.
Torches are different from ordinary candles or battery lanterns: the procession's defining visual feature is open flame carried in purpose-built handheld torches. The event is also distinct from first-footing, the custom concerning the first visitor to enter a home after midnight.